Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and festive twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The rich, slightly chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake combines perfectly with the warm, spiced cinnamon filling, creating an irresistible treat. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet indulgence for any day.

Ingredients

1 package red velvet cake mix
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Cream cheese frosting (for topping)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, yeast, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
5. Roll up the dough tightly from one edge to the other and slice into 12 rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
6. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Once the rolls are baked, drizzle cream cheese frosting over the top and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Filling Variations: For a different flavor profile, try adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Different Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you can use a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a lighter option.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence, making these rolls even more decadent.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, you can substitute the red velvet cake mix with chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor.
3. Do I have to use cream cheese frosting? While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use any frosting or glaze of your choice, such as a vanilla glaze or buttercream.
4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you don’t need to activate it in warm water. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
5. What can I use if I don’t have a greased bowl? You can use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your bowl, or lightly coat the bowl with non-stick spray.
6. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour? If you use self-rising flour, you can omit the yeast from the recipe, as the self-rising flour already contains leavening agents.
7. What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking dish? You can use any similar-sized dish or a round cake pan. Just make sure the rolls fit snugly in the pan for even baking.
8. How can I tell when the cinnamon rolls are done? The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Can I make the dough in a bread machine? Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just follow the instructions for your machine’s dough setting.
10. Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for special diets? These rolls are not gluten-free or dairy-free. However, substitutions such as gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter can be used to make them more inclusive for different dietary needs.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful blend of rich, velvety flavor and classic cinnamon sweetness, topped with a creamy frosting that makes them irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to impress anyone who tastes them. With easy-to-follow instructions and the option to personalize the filling and frosting, these rolls are a fun and festive treat that everyone will love.

Print